Prussic acid poisoning is a concern after a light frost

It was discovered in the early 1900s that under certain conditions sorghums are capable of releasing hydrocyanic acid (HCN) or commonly called prussic acid. Prussic acid when ingested by cattle, is quickly absorbed into the blood stream, and blocks the animal's cells from utilizing oxygen. Thus the animal dies from asphyxiation at the cellular level. Animals affected by prussic acid poisoning exhibit a characteristic bright red blood just prior to and during death.

Lush young re-growth of sorghum plants are prone to accumulate prussic acid especially when the plants are stressed such as drought or freeze damage. Light frosts, that stress the plant but do not kill it, are often associated with prussic acid poisonings. Producers should avoid grazing fields with sorghum type plants following a light frost. The risk of prussic acid poisoning will be reduced, if grazing is delayed until at least one week after a "killing freeze". As the plants die and the cell walls rupture, the hydrocyanic acid is released as a gas, and the amount is greatly reduced in the plants. One can never be absolutely certain that a field of sorghum is 100% safe to graze. Sun-curing of hay will reduce HCN, especially if the hay is crimped. The complex that binds the HCN is hydrolyzed and the HCN evaporates in gaseous form.

A field test procedure is available in some areas of Oklahoma. It will not give quantitative levels for a sample, but rather an indication of the presence of cyanide. In this test “Cyantesmo Paper” is utilized to detect the presence of hydrocyanic acids and cyanides in freshly cut plant material. In the presence of cyanide, the pale green paper turns blue. Refer to your County OSU Extension Educator–Agriculture for assistance with the test.

Cattle that must be grazed on sorghum pastures during this time of year should be fed another type of hay before turning in on the field, and should be watched closely for the first few hours after turn in. If signs of labored breathing, such as would be found in asphyxiation, are noted, cattle should be removed immediately. Call your local veterinarian for immediate help for those animals that are affected. Be certain to read OSU Fact Sheet PSS-2904 (Prussic Acid Poisoning) before turning cattle to potentially dangerous fields.